Gemstone miner Gemfields is working to align its Montepuez Ruby Mining (MRM) operations in Mozambique with the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), an independent, third-party assessment of large-scale mine sites.

Consisting of four pillars, 20 chapters and 428 criteria, the IRMA standard aims to provide a framework for more socially and environmentally responsible mining. It focuses on human rights and environmental risk management but also covers a wide range of issues affecting large-scale industrial mines. Mines undergo a two-stage audit and are assessed on a score. 

Gemfields registered to align MRM through a self-assessment in May 2023. It is currently refining all its monitoring systems in preparation for its third-party audit with KPMG in the second half of this year, according to Gemfields Sustainability Director Edward Johnson. Once dates are confirmed, MRM will join IRMA as a member prior to the audit.

“Gemfields is taking a leading position by undertaking IRMA, which is considered the most rigorous and difficult standard to achieve as a mining business,” said Johnson, who pointed out that standards reduce compliance costs, protects commercial partnerships and validates sustainability claims.

More importantly, they enable companies to generate greater revenue for its stakeholders and communities. For instance, investors in a new US$70 million processing plant at MRM reviewed Gemfields' ESG principles and initiatives prior to confirming the deal, Johnson revealed.

“We repatriate 100 per cent of the revenue from our auctions back to the source country and work towards sustainable development for its people and government,” he added. "In 2023, 35 per cent of our revenue was paid to the government of Mozambique in taxes, revenues, dividends and other payments."

Gemfields has also developed its own management system around eight different areas – legal alignment, stakeholder engagement, security and conflict, occupational health and safety, labour management (internal), labour management (contractor), environmental management system, and disclosures.

The company anticipates an independent IRMA audit for its Kagem emerald mine in Zambia in 2026 or 2027.